Durham launches licensed George Washington line

Durham Furniture is launching here its licensed George Washington:
Architect line, the first in a series of furniture collections inspired by the
life, home and character of the famed U.S. Founding Father.

The initial effort, Durham's first licensed furniture, encompasses 20
bedroom pieces, including four bed styles, at retail price points of US$1,249
to US$1,499. Five home office items — an executive desk, writing desk,
credenza with bookcase hutch and a lateral file — also will be offered,
marking Durham's entry into the home office category.

The company, based in Durham, Ontario, plans to add dining room
furniture in October, and anticipates additional bedroom and home office pieces
in the coming months.

Made of North American maple, the collection features physical
distressing, dry brush glazing and soft, burnished highlights, creating an
aged, acquired look to each piece. Heavy, antique brass hardware has flat,
grooved sides and a subtle bead-and-twist motif on the face.

The collection is licensed by the Mount Vernon Ladies' Assn., the
non-profit society dedicated to the preservation of Washington's estate since
acquiring it in 1858.

In addition to being a soldier and statesman, Washington had a keen
interest in architecture, which is evident throughout his Mount Vernon estate
in Virginia.

"This passion serves as the basic inspiration for the George Washington:
Architect collection," said Michael Scarsella, Durham's director of product
development.

The collection's main design element, a heart-shaped scroll motif, is
adapted from the decorative crown molding in the central passageway of the
mansion, and is incorporated into the collection's beds, mirrors and doors.

"Our design team has spent the past year immersed in Washington
history," Scarsella said. "The staff at Mount Vernon has been a tremendous
asset in helping us build this initial collection. Every design detail has been
a collaborative effort, with exciting results.

"Durham's reputation for producing solid-wood furniture of the highest
quality and design dovetails perfectly with Washington's own meticulous
attention to detail and appreciation for superior craftsmanship," he said.

"Our reps have been on the road with renderings and photographs of the
product since just after the first of the year, and the response has been
incredible," said Durham President Steve Wilson. "We've already moved a
follow-up cutting ahead to July to cover the demand."

Mount Vernon remains much as it did 200 years ago when Washington lived
and worked there. "By partnering with the Mount Vernon Ladies' Assn., Durham
Furniture hopes to provide consumers with a glimpse into the life and legacy of
George Washington and inspire them to learn more about this great man," Wilson
said.

"The Mount Vernon Home Collection represents a more relaxed,
inspirational side of Mount Vernon, and is designed with a flavor of the past
mixed with all the ingredients for today's life," said Beverly Addington,
director of licensing at Mount Vernon.

A portion of the proceeds from the collection will support the
association in its preservation and educational endeavors.